Portable Petroleum Byproduct System for Electrocoagulative Purification by Serpentine Flow

ABSTRACT

Multiple site purification can be achieved by a small plastic portable voltaic inspissation unit in a box configuration. Each unit may feature an air hopper, a recirculation line, a gas diffuser, a centrifuge, a decanter, and multiple anodic and cathodic voltaic inspissation plates that may direct fluid through a box in a meandering or serpentine fashion. Multiple devices may be present or omitted, and retention times may be varied both by the presence or absence of recirculation and the flow rate accomplished by use of different metal in the plates depending on purification goals. Air may be injected interstitially prior to passage into the box to aid in purification, and ultimately both ease of transport and substantially improved purification percentages may be achieved relative to prior systems.

This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/053,192 filed Feb. 2, 2016, and issuing as U.S.Pat. No. 10,150,059 on Dec. 11, 2018, said application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field ofelectrocoagulative purification of petroleum byproducts such as frackingfluids, drilling mud fluids, and the like as arise at exploration andproduction of wellheads. The weaknesses of current purification methodsused to attempt cleansing of fracking and other petroleum industrybyproduct, as well as water cleaning in general, have been known formany years. Currently, massive pieces of equipment that must beassembled on-site and permanently installed in a given location areused. However, these techniques are generally non-portable and thereforeof limited utility, especially if a site is tapped out, or otherproblems are encountered which render a site nonproductive. Existingsystems also have shortcomings in their purification success rates,sometimes only removing 80% of particulates, oils, or other impuritiesonce fluid has passed through them. For instance, the system describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,431,009 B2 is too large and heavy for transit betweenor use at multiple purification sites. The system described in U.S. Pat.No. 8,486,243 does not adequately address the possibility ofrecirculation to achieve better purification. The system described inU.S. Pat. No. 8,568,573 provides no means for injection of air, usefulto achieve better purification rates. The system described in U.S. Pat.No. 8,673,129 does not create a serpentine flow pattern, exacerbatingthe need for recirculation, injection of air, or other methods toimprove purification results. The system described in U.S. Pat. No.8,858,790 B2 is similarly too large and heavy to be transported betweensites, making its utility rather limited. The system described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,902,637 relies on many stages prior to and beyondelectrocoagulation, which may be equipment, time, or labor intensive inachieving desired purification.

Perhaps one of the most significant problems that well operators havefaced is the equipment bulk and capital investment required for whatwill very often be a temporary operating site. While the typicalfracking well may have an operational lifespan of anywhere from 20-40years, the ongoing controversies surrounding the practice make thatlifespan highly uncertain. Dependent on the state or other jurisdictionsempowered to regulate the practice, operators of such wells mustconstantly be wary of the possibility of regulations, restrictions,moratoria, or outright bans on the practice. Even without this risk, itis of course always desirable to invest less capital so long as the samelevel of quality and safety results can be achieved. The proper cleaningand repurposing of fracking fluid typically relies on huge pieces ofequipment that may be assembled on-site, may be installed for theoperational life of the well, and may require full dismantling to beremoved when a well closes, for whatever reason. To that end, a systemthat can be transported between well sites without any disassembly orreassembly, perhaps accruing substantial cost savings in both capitaland labor, is desirable.

A second problem faced by operators of such wells is the substantialdifficulty in achieving desired levels of purification. Typical systemscan succeed in removing about 80% of particulates, suspended solids, andother pollutants from fracking effluent as it is run through thosesystems. Obviously, a higher degree of purification may be desired.Typical systems may ignore this desire and accept suboptimalpurification; they may also install additional systems which can put theeffluent through additional processes. The main issue with all of theseapproaches is that they lack integration, building in additional costsin both labor and capital. A secondary issue is that additional transfersteps always run the risk of spillage of the still-contaminatedeffluent. Therefore, a single, fully integrated system which canaccomplish desired levels of purification without the transfer ofeffluent between different systems is desirable.

In addition to the specific issues described above, a wide variety ofother problems exist in the field as it stands. These include, but arenot limited to, cost of materials, cost of labor, repairs, purificationtime, and environmental degradation, among others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems of prior systems and canincorporate elements such as: an influent intake line 100, perhaps 2″ indiameter, perhaps connected to an air hopper 102 which mayinterstitially inject air into said influent intake line 100. Theinfluent intake line 100 may connect to an influent intake feed 104 onan influent side of a small, portable plastic housing 106. This housingmay contain one or more anodic 108 and cathodic 110 voltaic inspissationplates 112, and the influent may be directed through such plates 112 ina meandering, or perhaps even a serpentine fashion. The entire systemmay be charged or powered by an electrical power source such as avariable electric current or voltage as the influent passes through,perhaps at 5 volts. The process can result in the coagulation orinspissation of solids and other undesired particles, which may then bedischarged through one or more effluent ports 114, perhaps three, andperhaps 2″ in diameter. The fluid may then pass directly into arecirculation line 116, which may then immediately direct the fluid backinto an influent intake line 100, perhaps for another pass through thesystem. The system may incorporate a valve 118 to direct effluent afterpassage through the housing. In addition to being recirculated, thesystem may also direct effluent to an external gas diffuser 120, perhapsaccomplishing one direction or the other by use of such a valve 118.Such a diffuser 120 may separate and redirect gases from the effluent,perhaps sending them to a different part of the system for exit ordisposal. The effluent may then be directed into a variety of additionalplaces, perhaps for additional processing, perhaps done by a decanter122 or a centrifuge 124 or by filtration or by natural settling, or itmay be transported into a final disposal vessel 126 if processing iscomplete.

In general, the invention can involve both devices and process steps forfluid purification, whether fracking or other fluid, and perhaps evenfor use in simple water cleansing. The invention can relate to aportable, relatively small system, perhaps ranging from 1′×1′×1′ all theway up to 6′×6′×6 or any dimensions in between, that may be employed tolow-cost and multiple-well purification substantially withoutdisassembly or reassembly. Various degrees of retention time and avariety of purification steps may be accomplished individually orcollectively based on the choice of the site operator, perhapssubstantially without the need for equipment alterations to achieve thedesired steps. Systems may target 80% purification, 99.9% purification,or any degree within that range.

As can be appreciated from the above, the present invention disclosureincludes a variety of aspects which may be selected in differentcombinations based upon the particular application or needs to beaddressed. In a basic form, the invention can use a “box” configurationthat may fit into a typical truck bed, with an influent intake line 100,perhaps ranging from 0.5″ to 4″ in diameter, perhaps at 2″, perhapsconnected to an air hopper 102 which may interstitially inject air intosaid influent intake line 100. Said box may contain any number ofvoltaic inspissation plates 112 which may be spaced at intervalsthroughout the box 106. The effluent may be variably charged by anelectric current as it passes through such plates 112, which may serveby their placement or otherwise to direct effluent flow in a meanderingor even serpentine fashion through a box, and may serve as either anodic108 or cathodic 110 voltaic inspissation plates as charge is varied,perhaps in the range of 1 to 12 volts, perhaps at 5 volts. As the chargevaries and the fluid moves through the system, voltaic inspissation ofsolids and other particulates may occur. Such voltaic inspissationplates 112 may perhaps be freely interchangeable with additional voltaicinspissation plates 112, and may be solids voltaic inspissation plates128 or diamond mesh voltaic inspissation plates 130. Such material, aswell as the fluid itself, may ultimately exit the box through one ormore effluent ports 114, perhaps three, and perhaps 2″ in diameter. Sucha box may, in its entirety, be relatively small, made of plastic orother material, and may be portable, perhaps even transportable via atypical truck bed.

Such a box 106 may have at least one valve 118, which may be operatedmanually, remotely, or even automatically, and may serve to direct thefluid to any one of multiple destinations upon exit from the box 106. Avalve 118 may direct solids or other particles to a disposer, while itmay direct fluid to a recirculation line 116, perhaps for reinsertioninto an influent intake line 100 and an additional pass through a box106. In this fashion, fluid can theoretically be routed through the boxas many times as desired. A valve 118 may also serve, when desired, toinstead direct fluid into a gas diffuser 120 external to a box 106. Sucha gas diffuser 120 may serve to separate gases from the fluid, and itmay then separately route said gases to a disposer 126 while routing thefluid to additional processing steps (such as a decanter 122, acentrifuge 124, or others) or even to final disposal depending on a welloperator's desires. Because hydrogen gas may actually be desirable,perhaps to power the electrocoagulation system or other systems, a gasdiffuser 120 may assist in capturing hydrogen gas for use in this orother applications.

On an influent side of such a box 106, there may be an air hopper 102which may interstitially inject air into an influent intake line 100prior to said influent's passage into a box 106.

A general object of the invention is to provide a portable purificationsystem that can be utilized at multiple wells substantially without theneed for assembly or disassembly. In keeping with this goal, it is anobject to provide a system that can be transported between wells withoutundue expense of labor, such as via a standard passenger truck.

Another goal is to provide a purification system where multiple types ofpurification can be used in combination, in tandem, or individuallydepending on a well operator's needs, substantially without the need forundue reconfiguration of the system. In keeping with this goal, it is anobject to provide a system where multiple varieties of voltaicinspissation plates can be interchanged in the standard box unit withoutundue labor. It is also an object to allow for various additional stepsin addition to voltaic inspissation to be performed or left out asdesired.

Yet another goal of embodiments of the invention can be to provide thepossibility of either prolonged purification retention times orexpedited retention times, perhaps by the use of a recirculation line,perhaps controlled by a valve.

The present invention can allow for purification at multiple sitessubstantially without assembly or disassembly as the box unit istransported from site to site, perhaps in a standard passenger truck.The present invention can allow for varied degrees of purification invarious methods and by various configurations, all substantially withoutthe need for disassembly and reassembly, and all configurable accordingto a site operator's individual needs.

One of the broad objects of embodiments of the invention may be to allowfor transport between sites, perhaps in a standard passenger truck, andperhaps substantially without need for disassembly and reassembly. Thus,a goal can be to provide a small, portable system nonetheless capable ofachieving desired purification. To achieve this, a box may be built ofany of a variety of plastics, perhaps in a 2′×2×4′ configuration. Such abox can weigh less than 1000 pounds, making it possible to transport itin a standard passenger truck and movable with relatively little effort.In keeping with the identified object, such a box may containsubstantially all that is needed to accomplish purification objectives,perhaps only requiring that the fluid and a final disposer be connectedto the box.

Another broad object of embodiments of the invention may be to provide avariety of purification options, both by variable options for type ofpurification and the ability to vary retention times as desired.Accordingly, the invention may feature a recirculation line 116 whichmay retain the fluid inside the system for as long as a site operatormay wish it to achieve purification goals. The invention may alsofeature interchangeable voltaic inspissation plates 112, perhaps solidsvoltaic inspissation plates 128 or diamond mesh inspissation plates 130,which may serve to increase or decrease flow rate as desired. Theinvention may feature an air hopper 102 which may interstitially injectair into the influent intake line 100 to assist in purification goals.After passage through the box, fluid may be directed to any, all, ornone of a gas diffuser 120, a decanter 122, a centrifuge 124,filtration, or final disposal 126, perhaps all configurable according toan individual site operator's needs, perhaps determined by governmentregulation parameters, or purification level parameters, or simply userdesires.

Still another broad object of embodiments of the invention can simply beto accomplish improved removal percentages for solids, other particles,gases, and other undesirable materials. Thus, a goal of embodiments ofthe invention can be to allow a variety of both purification steps andpurification times. Simple quality in use of materials, such as voltaicinspissation plates or any of a variety of plastics, can assist inaccomplishing better purification quantities. Where typical systems arecapable of removing perhaps 80% of undesired materials, embodiments ofthe present invention may allow for removal of 99% or even more of suchmaterial depending on the embodiment selected by an individual siteoperator.

The following descriptions and referenced drawings are for selectedembodiments of the present invention. Naturally, changes may be made tothe disclosed embodiments while still falling within the scope andspirit of the present invention and the patent granted to its inventors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the fluid path through an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a voltaic inspissation plate.

FIG. 6B is a side view of a voltaic inspissation plate.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a process embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As can be seen from the figures, the basic components of the presentinvention may be embodied in several different ways. The presentinvention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined indifferent ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elementsand describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. Theseelements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should beunderstood that they may be combined and varied in any manner and in anynumber to create additional embodiments. The variously describedexamples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit thepresent invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques,and applications. Further, this description should be understood tosupport and encompass descriptions and claims of all the variousembodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applicationswith any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, andalso with any and all various permutations and combinations of allelements in this or any subsequent application.

The following explains aspects of embodiments. It should be understoodthat these are examples of types of systems and configurations that canbe used to achieve the broad aspects of the invention, and are not to beconsidered limiting as they are only examples of the many embodimentspossible.

FIG. 1 demonstrates the fluid path through an embodiment of theinvention. Fluid may be transported from a source (not shown) through anintake feed 104 into a small, portable plastic housing 106. This housingmay contain any number of voltaic inspissation plates 112, perhapsserving as a discrete segmentation wall or walls, perhaps arranged in amanner to encourage meandering or serpentine fluid flow through thathousing 106. After passage through a housing 106, fluid may be directedthrough a recirculation line 116. Such a recirculation line may bringthe fluid back to a proximal end of a housing 106 for any number ofrepeat trips through such a housing 106. At any time, fluid may also bedirected through an effluent port 114, perhaps for additional processingor perhaps for final disposal.

FIG. 2 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments mayfeature an intake line 100 that may serve to transport fluid from asource to an intake feed 104. Embodiments may include an air hopper 102which may assist purification efforts by interstitially injecting airinto the fluid sought to be purified. After passage through a housing106, fluid may exit through one of more effluent ports 114, to aneffluent junction, where it may be directed by a flow direction control,perhaps a valve 118, into a recirculation line 116. A recirculation line116 may transport fluid back into a housing 106 for one or moreadditional rounds of processing. Alternatively, a valve 118, perhapsuser-controlled, may direct fluid away from a housing 106, perhaps foradditional types of processing or perhaps for final disposal.

FIG. 3 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention. As shown withgreater detail in FIG. 2, embodiments may transport fluid into a housing106 by either or both of an intake feed 104 and a recirculation line116. Fluid can thus pass through a housing 106 any desired number oftimes until a desired level of purification is reached, at which point arecirculation line 116, perhaps an interruptable recirculation line, maybe closed. Embodiments of the invention may include an automaticphase-state sensitive recirculation line, perhaps incorporating a sensorand a recirculation line controller to achieve a desired degree ofautomation.

FIG. 4 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention. As shown withgreater detail in FIG. 2, embodiments may provide for fluid exit by oneor more recirculation lines 116 or one or more effluent ports 104,perhaps three. These ports may provide a modular attachment point for arecirculation line 116, and may be positioned in the upper third, themiddle third, or the lower third of a housing 106. Fluid can thus passthrough a housing 106 any desired number of times before transport away,perhaps for additional types of processing or perhaps for finaldisposal. In certain embodiments, since a recirculation line 116 may bepositioned at a variable height on a housing 106, a recirculation linemay serve as a housing fluid volume control, perhaps either increasingor decreasing the volume of fluid being circulated in the system. Incertain embodiments, the system may be disconnected from both an intakefeed 104 and final disposal 126, allowing fluid to recirculateindefinitely. In such embodiments, if any charge is also removed, arecirculation line 116 may function as a steady state cleaning line. Insuch embodiments, a steady state cleaning line can run as long as neededto serve as a voltaic inspissation plate cleaning line.

FIG. 5 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention. In certainembodiments, an air hopper 102 may inject air into a fluid sample in anintake line 100 before it reaches an intake feed 104 and a small,portable plastic housing 106. In such embodiments, an air hopper 102 mayserve as a fluid aerator. In embodiments, an air hopper 102 may bemodular, and may be installed at any point in an ongoing process. It maybe installed prior to or after voltaic inspissation. In embodimentsfeaturing a post-voltaic inspissation air hopper, it may be installedeither ahead of or behind a recirculation line 116. In embodiments wherea recirculation line 116 is present, that line may reintroduce fluidinto an intake line 100 prior to an interstitial air injection site. Itmay also reintroduce fluid directly into a housing 106 depending on howan individual user wishes to configure the embodiment.

FIG. 6A demonstrates possibilities for a voltaic inspissation plate 112.Such a plate may be a solids voltaic inspissation plate 128 or a diamondmesh voltaic inspissation plate 130. When either variety of voltaicinspissation plate 112 is desired for use in a housing 106, they may beinserted into such a housing 106 in any desired configuration and mayalso be freely interchangeable, perhaps detachable by a user, dependingon the configuration desired. FIG. 6B shows voltaic inspissation plates112 as they may appear inside a small, portable plastic housing 106, andalso shows how they may be freely interchangeable simply by removing alid from such a housing 106.

FIG. 7 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention with a portableelectrocoagulation voltage supply. Either end of a housing may featurean anode 108 and a cathode 110, which may serve to establish a currentwithin a small, portable plastic housing 106 equipped with any number ofvoltaic inspissation plates 112. As fluid moves through such a housing106, a current interacts with voltaic inspissation plates 112 to createvoltaic inspissation. This voltaic inspissation may serve to purify thefluid, especially in embodiments that include a recirculation line 116for multiple passes through such a housing 106.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram demonstrating possible purification stepsfluid may pass through. Fluid may initially be transported from a sourceby an intake line 100. This intake line 100 may transport fluid to anintake feed 104. Embodiments may include an air hopper 102 which mayinterstitially inject air into the fluid before its arrival at an intakefeed 104. An intake feed 104 may then transport fluid into a small,portable plastic housing 106. Such a housing 106 may include an anode108 and a cathode 110, accommodating a current. Such a housing 106 mayalso include one or more voltaic inspissation plates 112, which mayinteract with both fluid and a power, current, or voltage to cause fluidpurification by way of voltaic inspissation. After passage through ahousing 106, fluid may exit the housing via an effluent port 114 beforearriving at a valve 118. A valve 118 may direct fluid into arecirculation line 116, which may direct the fluid back to an intakeline 100 for one or more additional rounds of processing. A valve 118may also direct fluid into additional processing steps, perhapsincluding a gas diffuser 120, a decanter 122, or a centrifuge 124. Incertain embodiments, a modular external gas diffuser 120 may serve as ahydrogen partial pressure control. Controlling partial pressure may, inturn, allow a gas diffuser 120 to serve as a pH control, perhaps byfunctioning as an alkalizer, or such may be otherwise controlled as iswell understood. In addition to embodiments where a gas diffuser 120 isinstalled behind (or after) a recirculation line, a modular external gasdiffuser 120 may also be installed ahead of (or before) a recirculationline in certain embodiments, allowing gas diffusion to occur at anypoint in the process. With or without such additional processing, fluidmay ultimately be directed out to final disposal 126 once the desiredlevel of purification has been attained.

As should be appreciated, the various aspects of the embodimentsdescribed may be combined in different ways. Again, it is intended thatthe broad scope of this patent encompass all various permutations andcombinations since each may be dependent on or selected for particularapplications involved. The foregoing discussion describes the preferredembodiments of the present invention. It should be understood thatchanges may be made without departing from the essence of the invention.In this regard, it is intended that such changes would still fall withinthe scope of the patent. It simply is not practical to describe allpossible revisions to the present invention which may be accomplished.To the extent any revision utilizes the essence of any one of thefeatures of the present invention, it would naturally fall within thebreadth of protection encompassed by this patent. Any changes ormodifications made without departing from the broad aspects of thepresent invention are intended to be encompassed by this patent.

Again, different features were discussed for various fluid purificationsystems. The features of each of the fluid purification systems are notto be considered as applicable to only one fluid purification system butshould be considered as useful for all of the presented fluidpurification systems. Any of the mentioned purification devices areexamples and could change without distracting from the purpose of thepurification devices. While the invention has been described inconnection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit thescope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on thecontrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involvesboth purification techniques as well as devices to accomplish theappropriate purification. In this application, the purificationtechniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved bythe various devices described and as steps which are inherent toutilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devicesas intended and described. In addition, while some devices aredisclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplishcertain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly,as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood tobe encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as abasic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature orelement can actually be representative of a broader function or of agreat variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these areimplicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is describedin device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitlyperforms a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for thedevice described, but also method or process claims may be included toaddress the functions the invention and each element performs. Neitherthe description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope ofthe claims that are or will be included in this or any subsequent patentapplication.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes arealso implicitly included in the description. They still fall within thescope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting theclaims for this or any subsequent patent application. It should beunderstood that such language changes and broader or more detailedclaiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any requireddeadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks an additionalpatent filing(s) based on this filing. With this understanding, thereader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood tosupport this or any subsequently filed patent application that may seekexamination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within theapplicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent coveringnumerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overallsystem.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used orimplied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual aswell as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected.This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation,be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a methodor process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element ofthese. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosurerelates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may beexpressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only thefunction or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even moregeneric terms should be considered to be encompassed in the descriptionof each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desiredto make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventionis entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that allactions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as anelement which causes that action. Similarly, each physical elementdisclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the actionwhich that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, asbut one example, the disclosure of a “purifier” should be understood toencompass disclosure of the act of “purifying”—whether explicitlydiscussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure ofthe act of “purifying”, such a disclosure should be understood toencompass disclosure of a “purifier” and even a “means for purifying.”Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description. Further, each such means (whetherexplicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing allelements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions ofelements that perform a described function should be understood as anon-limiting example of means for performing that function.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference and can berelied upon as naming or depicting or disclosing elements that may beapplicable to the present invention in its varied embodiments. Anypriority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used itshould be understood that unless its utilization in this application isinconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionarydefinitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and alldefinitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in theRandom House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are herebyincorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed below or otherinformation statement filed with the application are hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, tothe extent that such information or statements incorporated by referencemight be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/theseinvention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as madeby the applicant(s).

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the samplingsystems and devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as aredisclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) eachsystem, method, and element shown or described as now applied to anyspecific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatusessubstantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of theaccompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methodsdescribed herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) thevarious combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed,xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency oneach and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, andxiv) all inventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested inpotential scope of this or subsequent applications should understandthat broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in acase claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spiteof any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, orarguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there isno intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. Itshould be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, suchmay require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered atany prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that tothe extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented inthis or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid suchprior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims orthe like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested inexisting or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at anytime been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender ofpotential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimeris ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application.Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this orany subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understoodto exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whetherin this application or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

Previously presented claims, now presented as clauses, included:

-   1. A fluid purification system comprising:

an influent intake feed;

an air hopper;

a recirculation line;

an interstitial air injector;

a small portable plastic housing;

at least one voltaic inspissation plate;

an effluent outlet;

an air and effluent confluence;

an external gas diffuser;

at least one discrete segmentation wall within said small portableplastic housing;

a meandering flow director;

a decanter;

a centrifuge feed; and

a centrifuge.

-   2. A method of purifying fluids comprising the steps of:

inflowing fluid to a purification housing;

providing air in a hopper;

interstitially injecting said air into said fluid;

dividing said housing into small, discrete sections;

voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate;

pumping said fluid through said small, discrete sections in a meanderingmanner;

outflowing said fluid;

recirculating said fluid back to an entrance of said purificationhousing;

diffusing gas from said fluid;

decanting said fluid; and

centrifuging said fluid.

-   3. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system comprising:

an influent intake feed;

a recirculation line;

a recirculation intake port;

a recirculation reentry port;

a housing;

at least one voltaic inspissation plate; and

an effluent outlet.

-   4. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said housing comprises a small, portable, plastic housing    and further comprising a portable electrocoagulation voltage supply.-   5. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    further comprising at least one discrete segmentation wall within    said housing.-   6. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 5,    wherein said at least one discrete segmentation wall comprises a    meandering flow director.-   7. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said at least one voltaic inspissation plate comprises an    interchangeable voltaic inspissation plate and further comprising a    user detachable attachment.-   8. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said at least one voltaic inspissation plate is selected    from the group consisting of: solids plate and diamond mesh plate.-   9. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    further comprising an effluent junction and a flow direction control    at said effluent junction.-   10. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 9,    wherein said flow direction control comprises a valve.-   11. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 10,    wherein said valve comprises a user-controlled valve.-   12. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 9,    wherein said valve is responsive to at least one parameter selected    from the group consisting of: government regulation parameters;    purification level parameters; and user desires.-   13. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation line comprises an interruptable    recirculation line.-   14. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 13,    wherein said interruptable recirculation line comprises an automatic    phase state sensitive recirculation line, and further comprising a    sensor and a recirculation line controller.-   15. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation line comprises a housing fluid volume    control.-   16. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation line comprises a steady state cleaning    line.-   17. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 16,    wherein said steady state cleaning line comprises a voltaic    inspissation plate cleaning line.-   18. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation intake port and said recirculation    reentry port are located within the upper third of said housing.-   19. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation intake port and said recirculation    reentry port are located within the middle third of said housing.-   20. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 3,    wherein said recirculation intake port and said recirculation    reentry port are located within the bottom third of said housing.-   21. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids comprising the    steps of:

inflowing fluid to a purification housing;

voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate;

outflowing said fluid; and

recirculating said fluid back to an entrance of said purificationhousing.

-   22. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, wherein said step of inflowing fluid to a purification housing    comprises the step of inflowing fluid to a small, plastic, portable    housing.-   23. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the step of flowing fluid through discrete    segments within said purification housing.-   24. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    23, wherein said step of flowing fluid through discrete segments    within said purification housing comprises the step of meandering    fluid through discrete segments within said purification housing.-   25. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the step of interchanging voltaic    inspissation plates.-   26. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    25, wherein said step of interchanging voltaic inspissation plates    comprises the step of interchanging solids voltaic inspissation    plates with diamond mesh voltaic inspissation plates.-   27. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the steps of:

flowing said fluid to an effluent junction; and

controlling flow direction at said effluent junction.

-   28. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    27, wherein said step of controlling flow direction comprises the    step of valve controlling flow direction.-   29. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    28, wherein said step of valve controlling flow direction comprises    the step of user controlling flow direction.-   30. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    29, wherein said step of user controlling flow direction comprises    the step of responsively controlling flow direction relative to at    least one parameter selected from the group consisting of:    government regulation parameters; purification level parameters; and    user desires.-   31. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, wherein said step of recirculating said fluid back to an    entrance of said purification housing comprises the step of    interruptably recirculating said fluid.-   32. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    31, wherein said step of interruptably recirculating said fluid    comprises the step of phase state responsively recirculating said    fluid.-   33. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the step of controlling fluid volume.-   34. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the step of steady state cleaning said    housing.-   35. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    34, further comprising the step of steady state cleaning at least    one voltaic inspissation plate.-   36. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    21, further comprising the steps of:

recirculation intaking said fluid; and

reintroducing said fluid to said purification housing.

-   37. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    36, wherein said steps of recirculation intaking said fluid and    reintroducing said fluid to said purification housing comprise the    step of recirculating into the top third of said purification    housing.-   38. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    36, wherein said steps of recirculation intaking said fluid and    reintroducing said fluid to said purification housing comprise the    step of recirculating into the middle third of said purification    housing.-   39. A method of electrocoagulatively purifying fluids as in clause    36, wherein said steps of recirculation intaking said fluid and    reintroducing said fluid to said purification housing comprise the    step of recirculating into the bottom third of said purification    housing.-   40. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system comprising:

an influent intake feed;

a housing;

at least one voltaic inspissation plate;

an effluent outlet; and

an external gas diffuser.

-   41. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    wherein said housing comprises a small, plastic, portable housing.-   42. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    further comprising at least one discrete segmentation wall within    said housing.-   43. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 42,    wherein said at least one discrete segmentation wall comprises a    meandering flow director.-   44. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    wherein said at least one voltaic inspissation plate comprises an    interchangeable voltaic inspissation plate.-   45. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 44,    wherein said interchangeable voltaic inspissation plate is selected    from the group consisting of: solids plate and diamond mesh plate.-   46. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    wherein said external gas diffuser comprises a hydrogen partial    pressure control.-   47. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    wherein said external gas diffuser comprises a pH control.-   48. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 47,    wherein said pH control comprises an alkalizer.-   49. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    wherein said external gas diffuser comprises a modular gas diffuser.-   50. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 49,    wherein said modular gas diffuser is installed ahead of said    recirculation line.

51. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 49,wherein said modular gas diffuser is installed behind said recirculationline.

-   52. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 40,    further comprising a hydrogen producer.-   53. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids comprising the    steps of:

inflowing fluid to a purification housing;

voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate;

outflowing said fluid; and

diffusing gas from said fluid.

-   54. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, wherein said step of inflowing fluid to a purification housing    comprises the step of inflowing fluid to a small, plastic, portable    housing.-   55. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, further comprising the step of flowing fluid through discrete    segments within said purification housing.-   56. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    55, wherein said step of flowing fluid through discrete segments    within said purification housing comprises the step of meandering    fluid through discrete segments within said purification housing.-   57. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, further comprising the step of interchanging voltaic    inspissation plates.-   58. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    57, wherein said step of interchanging voltaic inspissation plates    comprises the step of interchanging solids voltaic inspissation    plates with diamond mesh voltaic inspissation plates.-   59. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, wherein said step of diffusing gas from said fluid comprises the    step of controlling hydrogen partial pressure.-   60. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, wherein said step of diffusing gas from said fluid comprises the    step of controlling pH.-   61. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    60, wherein said step of controlling pH comprises the step of    alkalizing said fluid.-   62. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, further comprising the step of installing a modular gas    diffuser.-   63. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    62, wherein said step of installing a modular gas diffuser comprises    the step of installing a modular gas diffuser ahead of a    recirculation line.-   64. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    62, wherein said step of installing a modular gas diffuser comprises    the step of installing a modular gas diffuser behind a recirculation    line.-   65. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    53, further comprising the steps of producing and capturing hydrogen    gas.-   66. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system comprising:

an influent intake feed;

a housing;

at least one voltaic inspissation plate;

an effluent outlet; and

an interstitial air injector.

-   67. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    wherein said housing comprises a small, portable, plastic housing.-   68. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    further comprising at least one discrete segmentation wall within    said housing.-   69. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 68,    wherein said at least one discrete segmentation wall comprises a    meandering flow director.-   70. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    wherein said at least one voltaic inspissation plate comprises an    interchangeable coagulation plate.-   71. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 70,    wherein said interchangeable voltaic inspissation plate is selected    from the group consisting of: solids plate and diamond mesh plate.-   72. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    further comprising a fluid aerator.-   73. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    wherein said interstitial air injector comprises a pre-voltaic    inspissation interstitial air injector.-   74. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 66,    wherein said interstitial air injector comprises a post-voltaic    inspissation interstitial air injector.-   75. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 74,    wherein said post-voltaic inspissation interstitial air injector    comprises a pre-recirculation interstitial air injector.-   76. An electrocoagulative fluid purification system as in clause 74,    wherein said post-voltaic inspissation interstitial air injector    comprises a post-recirculation interstitial air injector.-   77. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids comprising the    steps of:

inflowing fluid to a purification housing;

providing air in a hopper;

interstitially injecting said air into said fluid;

voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate; and

outflowing said fluid.

-   78. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, wherein said step of inflowing fluid to a purification housing    comprises the step of inflowing fluid to a small, plastic, portable    housing.-   79. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, further comprising the step of flowing fluid through discrete    segments within said purification housing.-   80. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    79, wherein said step of flowing fluid through discrete segments    within said purification housing comprises the step of meandering    fluid through discrete segments within said purification housing.-   81. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, further comprising the step of interchanging voltaic    inspissation plates.-   82. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    81, wherein said step of interchanging voltaic inspissation plates    comprises the step of interchanging solids voltaic inspissation    plates with diamond mesh voltaic inspissation plates.-   83. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, further comprising the step of aerating said fluid.-   84. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, wherein said step of interstitially injecting air into said    fluid comprises the step of interstitially injecting air into said    fluid prior to said step of voltaically inspis sating said fluid    with at least one plate.-   85. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    77, wherein said step of interstitially injecting air into said    fluid comprises the step of interstitially injecting air into said    fluid after said step of voltaically inspissating said fluid with at    least one plate.-   86. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    85, further comprising the step of recirculating said fluid, wherein    said step of interstitially injecting air into said fluid after said    step of voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate    comprises the step of interstitially injecting air into said fluid    after said step of voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least    one plate and prior to said step of recirculating said fluid.-   87. An electrocoagulative method of purifying fluids as in clause    85, further comprising the step of recirculating said fluid, wherein    said step of interstitially injecting air into said fluid after said    step of voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least one plate    comprises the step of interstitially injecting air into said fluid    after said step of voltaically inspissating said fluid with at least    one plate and after said step of recirculating said fluid.

In this application, what is claimed is:
 1. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system comprising: a petroleum byproduct influent intakefeed; a recirculation line; a small portable housing; at least onevoltaic inspissation plate contained with said small portable housing; apetroleum byproduct effluent outlet; at least one discrete segmentationwall within said small portable housing; a meandering flow directorconfigured to direct flow of said petroleum byproduct to alternatebetween anodic and cathodic voltage inspissation plates in a serpentinefashion as said petroleum byproduct fluid is contained to pass throughsaid small portable housing; a decanter; a centrifuge feed; and acentrifuge.
 2. A petroleum byproduct fluid purification system as inclaim 1, wherein said small portable housing comprises a small,portable, plastic housing and further comprising a portableelectrocoagulation voltage supply.
 3. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 1, wherein said at least one voltaicinspissation plate is selected from the group consisting of: solidsplate and diamond mesh plate.
 4. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 1, wherein said recirculation linecomprises a housing fluid volume control.
 5. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 1, wherein said recirculation linecomprises a steady state cleaning line.
 6. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 1, and further comprising an externalgas hydrogen partial pressure control.
 7. A petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 1, and further comprising a pH control.8. A petroleum byproduct fluid purification system as in claim 7,wherein said pH control comprises an alkalizer.
 9. A method of purifyingpetroleum byproduct fluids comprising the steps of: inflowing petroleumbyproduct fluid to a purification housing; dividing said housing intosmall, discrete sections; voltaically inspissating said petroleumbyproduct fluid with at least one plate; pumping said petroleumbyproduct fluid through said small, discrete sections in a meanderingmanner that alternates between anodic and cathodic voltage inspissationplates in a serpentine fashion as said petroleum byproduct is containedto pass through said purification housing; outflowing said petroleumbyproduct fluid; recirculating said petroleum byproduct fluid back to anentrance of said purification housing; diffusing gas from said petroleumbyproduct fluid; decanting said fluid; and centrifuging said fluid. 10.A method of purifying petroleum byproduct fluids as in claim 9, furthercomprising the step of steady state cleaning said housing.
 11. A methodof purifying petroleum byproduct fluids as in claim 9, furthercomprising the step of interchanging voltaic inspissation plates.
 12. Amethod of purifying petroleum byproduct fluids as in claim 11, whereinsaid step of interchanging voltaic inspissation plates comprises thestep of interchanging solids voltaic inspissation plates with diamondmesh voltaic inspissation plates.
 13. An electrocoagulative petroleumbyproduct fluid purification system comprising: a petroleum byproductinfluent intake feed; a housing; a plurality of voltaic inspissationplates configured to direct flow to alternate between anodic andcathodic voltage inspissation plates in a serpentine fashion as saidpetroleum byproduct fluid is contained to pass through said housing; anda petroleum byproduct effluent outlet.
 14. An electrocoagulativepetroleum byproduct fluid purification system as in claim 13, whereinsaid plurality of voltaic inspissation plates is selected from the groupconsisting of: solids plates and diamond mesh plates.
 15. Anelectrocoagulative petroleum byproduct fluid purification system as inclaim 1, and further comprising a recirculation line.
 16. Anelectrocoagulative petroleum byproduct fluid purification system as inclaim 15, wherein said recirculation line comprises a housing fluidvolume control.
 17. An electrocoagulative petroleum byproduct fluidpurification system as in claim 15, wherein said recirculation linecomprises a steady state cleaning line.
 18. An electrocoagulativepetroleum byproduct fluid purification system as in claim 13, andfurther comprising an external gas hydrogen partial pressure control.19. An electrocoagulative petroleum byproduct fluid purification systemas in claim 13, and further comprising a pH control.
 20. Anelectrocoagulative petroleum byproduct fluid purification system as inclaim 19, wherein said pH control comprises an alkalizer.